Reviews

A haunting, thoughtful exploration of animal experimentation, the connections between humans and animals, and what it means to be an individual. Readers will be relieved that Ben persists in finding Zan a suitable home, even as they mourn the losses both suffer because of his parents' decisions. And long after they've forgotten Ben's lame parents or the shag carpeting, readers may be pushed to consider their own relationships with animals, and whether the lines between pet, possession, and meat are blurrier than they expected.

– Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The book is about which relationships matter. Ben's dad is a cold guy who treats Zan like the object of an experiment, not a living creature, which infuriates Ben. He already wonders what's more important to his father, the project or his own son. Ben's also trying to fit into a ritzy private school where he's making some not very smart decisions about how to make friends with the cool kids. Oppel's plainly done a whack of research on primates and their abilities, and the animal rights twist in the tale gives it real urgency. A very engaging read and not for young adults only. 

– NOW Magazine

I fell in love with Ben, a budding primatologist stuck in junior high. I ate up the all-too-real family dynamics. I adored the tangled scientific and moral questions. But mostly I fell for a great story. Half Brother broke my heart and I was happy to let it.

– Guelph Mercury 

Toronto 's Kenneth Oppel, who set this story in 1973-75, has created a thought-provoking tale that deals not only with the stuff of sibling rivalry, fitting in, teenage sexual awareness and coming of age, but also with such complicated issues as animal rights vs. scientific study. It's a testament to Oppel's talents as a writer that he has worked these elements into an engaging story, parts of which will tug on the reader's heartstrings and may necessitate a Kleenex or two. 

– Montreal Gazette

Part science lesson, part animal rights crusade, part morality tale, part coming of age story, Half Brother contains everything young readers could want: a teenage protagonist, an intriguing story, multiple plot twists, and even a cuddly baby chimp. Half Brother poses some thorny ethical questions. What makes a living being a person? Is it right to use animals in human experiments? What is language, and can a common understanding make humans and animals equals? Even as it entertains, Half Brother leaves readers with plenty to consider about the way humans behave toward the many species that share our planet.

– Quill & Quire

The central thrust of the plot explores not only what separates humans from animals but also the ethics of using animals for our benefit, while subplots explore typical adolescent concerns: fitting in at a new school, making new friends, and experiencing a first crush. The relationship between Ben and Zan remains the lynchpin of the novel the ethical and moral dilemmas the book presents are provocative.

– Horn Book

The ever reliable Ken Oppel does not fail with this excellent new YA offering.This is a wonderful piece of fiction, which should attract both male and female readers, young adult and adult alike. It addresses issues that resonate with all ages, while maintaining an adventurous plot line. Definitely a winner!

– Resource Links

Set in the simpler time of the early '70s, this well-plotted novel weaves together themes of animal rights, family issues and the cost of animal research. The normal teen problems in Ben's life ground the book nicely and prevent it from feeling entirely issue-driven. There are no easy answers, just a thoughtful portrayal of real people grappling with tough questions.

– Kirkus

While Ben and his family initially anthropomorphize Zan, Oppel doesn't, and as Zan gets older and stronger, the characters (and readers) are able to see an honest portrait of chimpanzee behavior, from the very best to the most brutal. Set in 1973, Zan's story echoes that of real chimpanzee studies of the era, though Oppel avoids dry factual recitations, or proselytizing when animal activism is introduced. Oppel's story is filled with compassion and has no easy answers.

– Publishers Weekly

Half Brother is fast-moving, engagingly told and smart. Beyond Ben's unique preoccupation with Zan, Oppel takes pains to give his protagonist more typically adolescent concerns. Ultimately, this novel is about much more than an abandoned experiment in interspecies communication. Through Ben, Oppel gracefully underscores the true value in reaching Zan: Not to profit from teaching him to perform tasks, but to grasp the world as a non-human perceives it.

– Globe and Mail